Nine Unusual Interview Gestures

As a CIO, you probably look for job candidates who convey that "special something" during an interview. However, there's a fine line between demonstrating some personality and going overboard with expressing your "creative” self. The following nine examples of truly original—and sometimes downright bizarre—interview gestures reveal how such moments can make or break a prospect's chances of getting hired. In fact, four of the following gestures made a positive impression on the interviewer. But five, unfortunately, had the opposite effect. "Employers typically aren't looking for the most outrageous candidate—they're looking for the best fit," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "Thinking outside the box is great. But the stunts that work best are the ones that showcase your relevant skills and abilities. The focus of the interview should be why you would be a great addition to the team, and not what you're willing to do to get noticed." An estimated 2,075 hiring managers and HR professionals took part in the research. For more about the survey, click here.

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This One Worked: RSVP Required

A young lady crafted her cover letter to resemble a wedding-type invitation, “inviting" the company to hire her.

This One Worked: Chivalry Rules!

Another volunteered to help out making copies when he saw the interviewer's assistant becoming frazzled with the task.

This One Worked: The Right Note

A prospect performed a musical number on the guitar about why he was the best candidate.

This One Worked: Handy Man

A candidate repaired a piece of the company's equipment during the interview.

This One Didn't: Meal Plan

Another sent the interviewer some beef stew with a note saying, "Eat hearty and hire me."

This One Didn't: On the Clock

A candidate place a timer on the interviewer's desk, started it and said he'd explain in three minutes why he was perfect.